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The Classical Exploreris a place to discover classical music by lesser-known composers, and, occasionally, lesser-known works by composers who are well-known. Each listing will have CD information, a brief description of what you might expect of the music, and a link to where you can find it. All will contain accessible works that have given pleasure, and in most cases are off the beaten track. A recommended recording may be recent or it may have been around for years. We hope you will join us!

Arthur Somervell
(1863-1937)

Clarinet Quintet in G Major (1913)

Gordon Jacob
(1895-1984)

Clarinet Quintet in G Minor (1942)

Somervell is remembered most for his choral works and song cycles but there are recordings of some other works, including a violin concerto. His Clarinet Quintet is a fairly genial work which shows most the influence of Brahms.

Jacob's quintet is in much the same realm as Vaughan Williams' more ethereal works such as the oboe concerto, although with some touches of gruff humor. The clarinet quintet is hardly a prolific species and these two examples are welcome additions.